Asthma educator and pharmacist at Moama Village Pharmacy Sherri Barden said people were already presenting with symptoms from recent rain and storm events.
“In the lead-up to some rain we had presentations particularly with people who suffer from hay fever and don’t necessarily have a formal asthma diagnosis,” she said.
October through to the end of December is the thunderstorm asthma season for the east coast of Australia.
But it’s not just people with asthma who are at risk. People who suffer from seasonal springtime hay fever can also be affected.
“Asthma and hay fever are part of the same condition involving airway inflammation and sensitivity throughout the respiratory system,” Mrs Barden said.
“High grass pollen concentrations in the air get into the nasal passage and can cause hay fever, likewise in the lungs can cause asthma in some people.”
Mrs Barden encouraged people to be aware of when a thunderstorm is approaching.
“Avoid exposure to outside air just before or during a thunderstorm, especially during the wind gusts just before the rain front hits,” she said.
“Stay indoors with windows closed and drive with the windows up in your car. Any air-conditioning should be on recirculation mode.
“We’d also recommend for people with any symptoms to manage them immediately and those with asthma to have an action plan from their doctor and know asthma first aid.”
Murrumbidgee Local Health District’s public health unit director Tracey Oakman said people should be prepared but not alarmed.
“Thunderstorms cause pollen grains to explode and release fine particles which can be inhaled more deeply into the lungs making even more people wheeze and sneeze,” Mrs Oakman said.
“Anyone with diagnosed asthma should carry their asthma medication with them at all times during this high-risk period,” she said.
Charles Sturt University has set up a SMS alert system when the pollen counts are high and thunderstorms are predicted, to register visit science.csu.edu.au/asthma
If anyone experiences breathing difficulties it is essential to seek medical help immediately.
Breathing difficulties can be life threatening. In the event of an asthma emergency dial triple zero (000) immediately.
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